On Taking Pictures

189

Every week, Jeffery Saddoris and Bill Wadman take on the art, science, and philosophy of photography and explore how they play out behind the camera in the process of making images. Insider insights for the novice, shop talk for the professional, and opinionated discussion for the interested observer of the field's trends and legacy. Hosted by Bill Wadman and Jeffery Saddoris.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • Noah Stephens
    The Creative Process
    There are lots of photography podcast that discuss gear. There are few photography podcast that discuss the creative process. There are fewer still that discuss the creative process with the articulation, philosophical insight, and lived-experience presented by On Taking Picture. If you are photographer - or for that matter, a creative of any kind - you have to subscribe to this program. - Noah Stephens
  • Rdswinford
    Road to seeing DW
    excellent discussion. ‘Road to Seeing’ 750$!! Used. Cheapest 250$. Will look in Library. Want to sell yours?
  • Timboking
    Kindred Spirits . . .
    For anyone who has ever harbored a deep desire to express themselves artistically, Jeffery and Bill are kindred spirits - not only to one another but to each of their thousands of listeners each week. Listen and see for yourself. Oh, and they discuss a little photography too!!
  • thebobcampbell
    On Talking Philosophy
    My first subscribed podcast and still my favorite. Not for gearheads; more for anyone struggling with what it means to make art. Sometimes deep, sometimes light, always relevant.
  • DPost827
    Look Forward To This
    I look forward to this podcast! A couple of friends who let us listen in as they catch up on their creative lives.
  • Toddff
    Great show, like hanging with old friends
    This is a show I never miss, a must listen each episode. Topics are relevant to any creative, photographer or someone just trying to navigate todays world. Upbeat, thought provoking and just enough sarcasm to satisfy this GenX guy.
  • projectmayhemer
    Simply the best
    Not only is this one of the best photography podcasts to ever podcast, it is an amazing conversation on art and creativity and LIFE in general. Listening to Jeffrey and Bill go through their artistic processes along with all their life events, highs and lows included, as they struggle and overcome various episodes of creative block or depression, is such a gift to the world. Makes you feel so much less alone if you struggle with your own self worth as an artist or hobbiest just trying to wring one little bit of joy out of a difficult existence that seems to value creative pursuits less and less everyday. Go back to very beginning over 10 years ago, or start with the freshies. You can’t go wrong.
  • jsanttomas
    Must listen
    It’s called “On Taking Pictures” but it’s really for anyone in any creative field. Hands down my favorite podcast, and I’m so happy they’re back. Each episode is a mix of funny, deep insight, motivating, and honest, that will keep you coming back.
  • Moorethanever
    So so good… every time.
    These guys are two of the most fascinating individuals I have ever had the pleasure to get to know. Their knowledge of so many things in life and their deftness at navigating any topic in an interesting way combined with the chemistry between the two of them when the mics are on is… well, just listen and you will get it.
  • Charles Silverman
    Best Photography Podcast Out There
    Hands down the best discussion of photography and the issues around visual creativity. The most recent episode "Inspiration
  • OldGuywithaCamera
    GOAT
    Greatest podcast on a sea of many. After the years of listening it is still number one. It is like visiting old friends each time.
  • GDFeucht
    Fantastic Podcast that goes deep into creating and life
    Jeffrey and Bill go deep on what it’s like to create, with the struggles and triumphs and everything else. In its previous life, this podcast was more structured and specific to photography. Its current version is looser, more introspective, and the perfect answer to all the YouTubers giving camera review after camera review. In this podcast the tech doesn’t matter… until Bill mentions how he hates his everything-is-perfect-about-it GFX100s. :P
  • zdfghjkloiu
    Only the best photo podcast
    A perfect discussion about the philosophy of photography.
  • nortlornor
    Frustrating
    There's so much potential here but ultimately this comes down to hours of Jeffrey (who hardly makes pictures) complaining about lack of direction in his career and never really doing anything about it, and Bill (an editiorial/commercial photographer) getting over his head and making ill-informed statements whenever trying to discus art photography, and calling women girls like some mildly sexist boss. They sure do know a lot about computers, though.
  • Cd hand
    On taking pictures
    This show is entertaining and very humorous. Bill and Jeffery are perfect for this type of podcast. Even if you aren’t into photography they are entertaining. I respect their photography as well as their psychiatric evaluation of each other’s lives and dreams. Keep up the great work guy’s 5 stars!
  • Hinds is
    Enjoy your podcasts
    I gave a 5 star rating because I enjoy your show. I’m probably the opposite of your target audience as I am a conservative leaning truck driver that enjoys photography. Only briefly after the Donald arrived in office did I consider not listening. However, I can understand and respect your opinions regardless of how they align with mine. Keep up the good work. The two of you feed off each other’s energy and flow through the conversations with ease. Please keep up the great show. I could listen all day. Actually have made it through each one from the beginning. Carry on.
  • bicyclemark
    Im not a photographer and you don't need to be
    I heard about OTP years ago while listening to, believe it or not, The Gilmore Guys. At the time I was told that this podcast was in principle about photography but in the end could be about anything. That is, I now know, very much the case in the best possible way. Im fascinated by photography and technology but what I prefer is hearing from two honest observers of the world around them. In a time where every podcast has to be so focused and specific to get famous, OTP keeps showing that you don't have to do any of that to produce a nice show.
  • Asdfasdf99999
    Beyond horrible
    This is just a horrible podcast riddled with bad information ... complete waste of time
  • BlueRavenphoto
    Thought provoking
    I always come away with something to think about, something to investigate or something to try. Not your standard photo podcast, it's more
  • MantaRay3000
    What happened to photography talk?
    I've listened to a few of these podcasts and have concluded that Saddoris may be about the whiniest adult male in the U.S. Current episodes seem to be more about the podcasters' personal (non-photo) lives than anything on topic. If you give it a try, hopefully it's not an episode where they try and sing.
  • Greg_Hart
    Most Bodacious Philosophizers
    If you are interested in the philosophy of art, its execution and meaning in everyday life, you’d be hard pressed to find a better podcast. Reminds me of late night bull sessions in college, contemplating the big questions of the universe, but also not taking ourselves too seriously. The conversation is lively, intelligent, informed, and frequently goofy (in the best possible way). Over the past year, I’ve listened to every single episode during my daily commute. Thank you Bill and Jeffery for the steady source of entertainment and inspiration.
  • johndill
    WHY we take pictures
    Not how we take pictures, not what we take pictures with, this podcast is about WHY we take pictures. A weekly sometimes rambling (in a very good way) way discourse on art, music, artists , inspiration and the who the visual arts interact with our lives. It sounds more like a conversation between smart friends who you want to learn from. treat yourself and tune it
  • ce_n'est_pas_un_nom
    Childish, sexist, homophobic, and uninspired
    After over a year awa, I came back to the podcast to see if it had improved at all. Within the first twelve minutes of episode 191, Sadoris and Wadman engaged in “gay panic” humor (it was culturally funny but offensive in the 80’s and 90’s guys, and is now both culturally unfunny and still offensive in the ‘10s) and in sexist banter (“won’t take her out unless she’s cute first”). Turned off, unsubscribed, and won’t be going back again. It reflects the sexist, old-school behavior and demeanor of the photography world. You’re better served looking elsewhere for fresher, more welcoming, and more informed viewpoints.
  • Insomniatic lemons
    Such a fantastic podcast!
    I've listened to many, many, photography podcasts and have never felt so connected to one. The discussions aren't about the "hot gear" and instead dive into the questions we all have as "artists" and they're completely open about their struggles. Almost get a type of therapy out of it. Great work, stay fancy.
  • alecbourgeois
    Great Podcast
    A perfect blend of photographic history, technique, inspiration and creativity, with the right dose of random musings thrown in.
  • Nolagirl130
    Love and Learning
    I am an artist/painter. Discovered this podcast from Dan Benjamin's other 5by5 podcast and I absolutely love this. So refreshing and learning so much as an artist with that "other" job hoping to thrive as an artist. Such thoughtful and honest insight into the art world. Thank you!!!!
  • joypog
    Yeah its awesome!
    Not sure if I'm adding anything new, but I love that these two guys have a great chemistry and they explore the deeper questions and issues with the art. There are plenty of shows that discuss gear and stuff, most of which way outside my budget, but this show talks about photography. And that's awesome.
  • fotogrofur
    The Best Photography Podcast out there
    Jeff and Bill are great to listen to. A very relaxing and enjoyable treat!
  • Celestialn
    One-sided.
    Bill brings insightful commentary and interesting topics, if a rather mercurial attitude, to the table. Jeffery is neurotic and acts like a young boy desperate for attention; in their debates, Jeffery attempts to beat Bill down with odd rhetoric and illogical, political arguments. When all else fails, he just screams “HAAAAAAAAAA!” into the mic. Still, when the topic is good, it can be a good listen.
  • Mitch Sevier
    A more thoughtful program
    I have been listening to OTP since show 1. Over the years I have tried a wide smattering of photography related podcasts and there only two that have survived the test of time. I think there are a couple factors that explain why this one has stuck with me. One is that the hosts actually walk the talk. One thing that has turned me off to some of the other podcasts is they would give advice to junior photographers that they themselves don’t follow. Sticking with Jeffery and Bill all this time I have witnessed them going through ups and downs. Motivational funks and highs. They have shared their struggles and triumphs trying to apply their own advice to their own lives. Having listened to them talk so candidly about their struggles, I as a listener almost feel like good friends with Jeffery and Bill though I have never personally met them. The other thing that keeps me coming back is they don’t talk at the audience like they are kids. They don’t preach from some self-aggrandizing pulpit about what we all should be doing as photographers. They talk to the audiance assuming that they are intelligent.
  • I think it’s Nick...
    Working my way back to the beginning...
    Initially I downloaded one episode just to see why people liked it so much… A conversation between two guys about art? Seriously? Yeah. Seriously. You have to listen. It definitely isn’t your typical gear fetish podcast, You’re not getting photoshop tutorials… You’re getting much more. The reason and the mindset. The why and the why not. Stop reading this review and download an episode.
  • Grosenfeldt
    Brilliant, fun, insightful and therapeutic
    There is no way to describe how amazing this podcast is. You don’t have to be a photographer to get something out of it. Anybody with a creative spirit, not matter what the craft, will surely benefit from listening. Jeffrey and Bill cover a wide range of topics relating to creativity, the arts and life in general. Their insightful and often humorous take on things continues to provide me a great deal of joy. During each and every episode I find my self saying, “Yes, that’s me!” While both of the hosts are extremely talented, any listener will quickly discover they wrestle with the same issues as the rest of the world. I have been searching for something like this for a long time now, and now that I have found it, I am hooked. Tuesdays cannot come fast enough. I want to thank both Jeffery and Bill for creating something very special, very unique and very relevant. Both of you should know that you have really inspired me and I am eternally thankful. You be given me something I desperately needed. Bravo!
  • your not gona believe this
    Premier
    Excellent show. Insightful and full of character. A must listen for the photographer and artist.
  • Silvrayla
    Wonderful!
    I look forward to the new episode each week. Listening to this show is like a therapy session. Episode 128 was very helpful to me and synchronistic with my life. I love how thoughtful and honest Bill and Jeffery are on each epoisode. They should be paid to do this show! I want to give a huge thank you to Bill and Jeffery and I hope they continue the show for a long time because I will continue to listen.
  • westfoto
    Worth a Listen
    Very much worth Listening to. I find that the banter back and forth is wonderful. Thanks for doing these.
  • GerenM63
    Simply the best!
    Of the photo-related podcasts I listen to, On Taking Pictures is hands down my favorite. Jeffrey and Bill bring a great combination of knowledge, experience and insight to bear on the "why" of photography.
  • Rogue Studios
    The Radio Lab of Photography Podcasts
    One of the very best podcasts available!
  • mom2seven
    Great podcast
    A recent podcast (Episode 101, Cookie Cutter Wisdom) still has me mulling over various thoughts and ideas. Jefferey said some incredibly beautiful things. Like “Not wanting to know the scientific mechanics of lightning, but simply wanting to stand underneath it in awe” I don’t know why that resonated with me so strongly but it did. And it was funny to hear our “curmudgeon” Bill, defend the idea that anyone can do anything they want. Excellent episode and excellent podcast overall.
  • EdAnZaZi
    Excellent conversation! Love the show!
    First of all, congratulations for the 100th episode. Excellent conversation! Felt like listening to fellow friend over dinner conversation. Love the format and I love it that the show is not gear centric!
  • Austin the photo writer
    The best photography podcast out there
    As a writer at one of the larger photo blog sites I try to stay up-to-date on Fro Knows Photo, Peta Pixel, TWIP, The Phoblographer, etc. While I love a lot of these sites and visited them regularly before I was hired on as a writer it gets easy for them to get caught up in gear, click-bait-y headlines, and internet troll arguments. Furthermore, a lot of the content is geared at the entry-level (the lowest common denominator). The fellows at OTP are very much different than that. Their show has an altogether different ethos. I feel I am a better photographer, writer, and creative person having listened to it. It’s a serious podcast for people who are serious about their art no matter what the skill level. I cannot recommend this show enough. Enjoy! Stay fancy, you two.
  • humidistan
    Articulate, no BS take on photography
    An articulate, no BS take on photography and living a creative life. Introspective, sarcastic, genuine, not overly positive gushing. The A Word ('amazing') is used sparingly, as it should be, not every other sentence as in many other podcasts. Gear heads go elsewhere - equipment is not ignored, but it's not the focus. My favorite podcast.
  • JJ Marfa
    Top notch dialogue from two great hosts.
    These guys work very hard to present a diverse, entertaining and very informative hour and a half each week. Great links to their own websites and blog. Independent viewpoints and they don’t take it all too seriously. I love their google plus group and the show notes they provide. My favorite podcast by far on photography and life. Listen!
  • A listner
    Worth every moment of your time
    This is one podcast that every photographer should have on their must hear list. The discussions are always thought provoking. I always look forward to the next release.
  • Psychoarts
    Simply The Best
    If you are looking for a podcast about the latest and greatest photography gear, On Taking Pictures is not for you. If you are looking for a peek into an artist's mind then OTP is for you. Every week Jeffery Saddoris and Bill Wadman discuss photography and the process of creating art. You will not find a more thought provoking photography podcast.
  • LostVancouverite
    Great conversation, great topics
    OTP has quickly become one of the top “must listen” podcasts on my daily commute; keeping up with current episodes while I work back through the archives.
  • lewisdejoseph
    Great show
    Love the show and look forward to every new episode. Thanks and keep up the great work
  • Craig 1958
    Great Photography Podcast
    I’ve been listening from almost the beginning; Bill and Jeffery are engaging and the G+ community is the best
  • Funkofages
    A podcast with meaning
    Concerned more with making works of art than your personal brand? This is the photography podcast for you. It gets to the core of the issue, making things you want, for the result you want. Discussions that get to the heart of creation instead of just talking heads chiming in. Critical of the world and of themselves, the hosts aren't afraid to drag themselves over the coals to advance the conversation, but always in a real and meaningful way. No fluff.
  • LTfromLA
    On Taking Pictures
    Interesting podcast that goes beyond typical technical content. Good resource - for photo ideas and inspiration. Also has interesting and supportive online group!
  • MaxAndJinxAreFriends
    Mostly about life
    Tangentially about photography.
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